The Lagos State Government has been taken to the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, to clarify a claim by businessman Alhaji Aliko Dangote.
The case seeks to confirm whether Dangote’s statement that he paid $100 million to the government is accurate. If true, the applicants—De Renaissance Patriots Foundation and Ibeju-Lekki Peoples Forum—demand the government provide a detailed explanation of the transaction, including why there was no public disclosure.
The lawsuit, filed under Nigeria’s Freedom of Information Act and Constitution, aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. The applicants argue that the Dangote Refinery’s presence in Ibeju-Lekki has negatively impacted local residents, who have not been compensated.
They allege that while former Governor Babatunde Fashola claimed Dangote received the land for free, Dangote recently stated he paid $100 million for it.
The court has yet to assign a judge to the case, which was filed on September 6, 2024.
A decision is expected soon, with the hope of uncovering the truth behind the payment and its consequences for the Ibeju-Lekki community.
